Rex,
Sounds like you are getting a bit more shafted than the average ASIC applicant for some reason.
If you think it is tough now, well take a deep breath because by the time you go to renew again, the whole thing is going to be run by the Department. Planned for some time in 2023. Unless a there is a change of government and the current minister's decision is reversed. All 20 odd issuing bodies are going to be shut down and all applications will be handled by public servants. Good luck with that.